Police in Antioch are seeking the public's help to identify a woman who was found dead on a walking trail early Monday after apparently being set on fire by another individual or multiple individuals.
As KRON4 reports, firefighters with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (FPD) responded around 5:36 a.m. Monday to the paved Mokelumne Trail north of Lopez Drive in Antioch, following a report of a small fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a human body on fire, and they managed to extinguish the flames.
Antioch police then arrived on the scene along with FPD arson investigators.
"Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene, and the remains were determined to be a female," the Antioch Police Department said on Facebook, adding that it appeared to be a case of murder by arson, though that has not been confirmed.
"The suspect(s) left the scene and have not been located," the police said.
The woman has not been identified, but a few identifying details have now been released.
The Antioch Police Department posted to Facebook Tuesday seeking help identifying the woman.
"The victim is believed by to be of African American descent and is thought to be under 30 years old. She is believed to be approximately 5'6", and her weight is unknown," the department says. They also note that she had "a distinctive gap between her top front middle teeth," and had had "extensive dental work" in the past, which included the removal of three lower left molars.
She was found wearing a ring on her right ring finger, and a necklace with a pendant that included the letter "K," but it's unclear if other letters had gone missing. The department posted photos of the jewelry in case may help identify her.
Anyone with information about this incident or about the victim is asked to contact Antioch Police Detective Whitaker at [email protected] / 925-779-6890. You can also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.
All tips can remain anonymous.
Photo of the Mokelumne Trail via Google Street View
